Lake birding habitat

Arivaca Lake

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Arivaca Lake is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 294 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, and White-winged Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

6/2/2026273 camino Panama1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

6/1/2026Amado WTP1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/31/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.9 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

5/31/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

5/31/2026Arivaca Lake3 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/30/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek access at Cañada del Toro1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/30/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/30/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek access at Cañada del Toro1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/28/2026Market House1 observed

American Coot (White-shielded)

Fulica americana

5/26/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Triangle Pond1 observed

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

5/26/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)1 observed

Northern Cardinal (Common)

Cardinalis cardinalis

5/26/2026Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only)6 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/26/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

5/25/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.3 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/25/2026Market House1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Duck

15/31/2026

Gambel's Quail

35/31/2026

Common Ground Dove

65/31/2026

White-winged Dove

65/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

White-throated Swift

35/31/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

45/31/2026

American Coot

45/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Caspian Tern

35/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/31/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

75/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Black Vulture

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

145/31/2026

Gray Hawk

35/31/2026

Zone-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Arivaca Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Arivaca Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Arivaca Lake?
Notable species at Arivaca Lake include Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Arivaca Lake?
Birding at Arivaca Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Arivaca Lake?
Arivaca Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.